HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_0575County Manager Mashburn said the county had authority to present a G.O. bond
package to the voters, but other options such as those being proposed (real estate impact
fee and sales taxes) would need General Assembly approval.
Chairman Tice told the school officials, "You can leave today with the
guarantee of S35 million in COPS.
Mitchell Community College (MCC): Joining the commissioners to discuss
MCC's needs were Board of Trustees Member Wally Riddle, Dr. Doug Eason
(President), Dick Lefevre (Finance Director) and Gary Johnson (Construction
Manager).
Dr. Eason distributed a handout with the following capital requests for 2005-
2006.
TechnologylWorkforce Development Building — COPS loan payment S 131,475
Cherry Street Center Feasibility Study 50,000
(The Davis Foundation is giving the former nursing facility to the college
in 10 -year increments. This is the P year of the arrangement.)
Main campus improvement project 350,000
Property Purchase Fund (a revolving fund) 250,000
Purchase of Vehicles 75,000
Major Campus Renovations 250.000
Total 2005-2006 County Capital Projects $1,106,475
Commissioner Johnson asked how much the college was spending for high
school students to receive services.
Dr. Eason said the staff would determine the costs.
Economic Development: Greater Statesville Development Corporation
President Jeff McKay and South Iredell Community Development Corporation
Executive Director for Economic Development Melanie O'Connell Underwood updated
the commissioners on past and current projects as well as the economic status of the
county.
McKay submitted a revised economic incentive policy to the county manager.
Once the manager completes his review and makes any changes, the policy will then be
shared with the commissioners. McKay said several companies had contacted him
about possibly locating in the county in the future or expanding their existing facilities.
Mr. McKay said probably one of the biggest threats to the county's economy was the
state's tier program for economic incentives.
Underwood expressed concerns about retaining younger workers in the future.
She also expressed a concern about not having enough business park space.
Underwood said the motor sport industry continued to grow in the southern end, but she
had concerns that in the future the teams might relocate to new tracks out-of-state
('Nevada, Kansas and Texas).
General Discussion
Communications Department: Commissioner Johnson said he thought
simulcast was the best option to improve communications between ECOM and the law
enforcement and emergency services providers. He said, however, that he wanted the
county manager to evaluate the project material.
Statesville Airport: Commissioner Johnson said the Lowe's Corporation had
stationed corporate planes at the Statesville airport and this would result in a significant
cash flow for the county. He reminded everyone, however, that six years from now the
company would start receiving incentives, and for this reason, caution should be used
regarding the tax revenue.